It would authorize the council to give the go-ahead at a public hearing without having to vote on another ordinance, giving WSDOT a seamless start to the project. As the judge said during the legal fight over Referendum 1, it will be “a decision about how you’re going to make the decision about whether to have a tunnel or not.”

What would a “reject” vote mean?

If voters reject the referendum, then the council would have to pass another ordinance. A subsequent ordinance would be subject to Mayor McGinn’s veto and another possible referendum. While the council seems firmly in favor of the tunnel, those who oppose the project hope a thumbs-down on the referendum might change a few more minds if councilmembers see they stand against public opinion. Since the viaduct serves a state highway, WSDOT could assert its state power and move forward with the project regardless. But doing so without the city’s blessing would delay the project and add more costs.